The One Thing To Do in Washington Before the End of the Year

There is something especially romantic about a big city at Christmastime. But there is something even more magical when cities implement Christmas markets, when a section is cordoned off and transformed into a wintry wonderland with holiday foods, handicrafts, and a joy you can't manufacture. That's the case in Seattle when the holiday season comes a-callin.' The Seattle Christmas Market, which began in 2023, brings yule tidings to Seattle Center near South Fountain Lawn and Fisher Pavilion from late November until Christmas Eve (this year, the market started on Nov. 20, 2025).

As is the case for many Christmas markets, this one is similar in style and even serves Glühwein (warm, mulled wine). If you've never had Glühwein, even if you aren't a big fan of red wine, you should try it. It's often more akin to cider with its spice-filled profile. Personally, I'm not a fan of red wine at all (dry or otherwise), yet a Glühwein is often too irresistible for me to pass up. If you don't care for hot wine, I'm sure you won't have to look far for something equally delicious elsewhere in the market.

You'll find more than 80 huts set up around the market, offering various goodies (both edible and giftable) with lights and garlands adorning them and lighting up the night. For this huge fan of Christkindlmarket in Chicago, it's great to see more cities embrace this holiday market tradition. All of the huts are in a line, like Whos waiting for their share of Who Hash with gaggles of visitors clamoring for more. But instead of Roast Beast, they're looking for bretzels, roasted nuts, or chimney cakes.

Beyond the hut marketplace area, there is also live entertainment and all sorts of adventures to enjoy. For instance, you must take a moment to ride the market's double-decker carousel—the only one in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, rides are included with admission.

You can also enjoy a ceremonial "prost" or "toast" at the market's Christmas Pyramid and Alpen Haus. If you stick around the pyramid, you'll also find the live entertainment. And, don't forget to bring your letters to Santa to drop off! The market has a mailbox with shipping directly to the big guy in the North Pole.

This year, entry to the market starts at $6.99, though season passes (and season family passes) are also available. Children under six are free. Both season passes include unlimited visits to all the market excitement you can handle.

If you want to experience the Seattle Christmas Market for yourself, be sure to use the Only In Your State AI Travel planner to get started. And we recommend that after your visit to Seattle, you head to Leavenworth. This Bavarian-style town turns into a magical Christmas town full of cheer. The star of the town's holiday happenings is definitely the Village of Lights, when half a million lights make it even more enchanting.